Best 1911 for 1000.00 or less

5" barrel, .45 ACP. When I say "best", I'm looking for accuracy and reliability out of the box. Not intending to use for CCW. Also, I'm looking at a new weapon. There are some great used firearms out there, but you do run some risks buying used.

Opinions?

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Frandy

January 8, 2006, 01:46 PM

Well, just remember that you run some risk buying new too. Out of the box, most manufacturers give you a good experience and some manufacturers have quality control that will give you a less-than-good experience. Maybe they make more of their product on a Friday. :D

You'll get a lot of opinion here, for sure. Many are going to suggest you buy what they themselves have or quote a gun rag or online source for your best bet.

Me? If new, I'd go for a Smith only because mine has been flawless out of the box. Actually, because I have a Smith (and my fave, a flawless Dan Wesson that I bought used), I'd next get a Colt, but I'd be a fool to think I might not get one that needed some tweaking. And that goes for Kimber, Springfield, and all the rest. Ya' plays da percentages...

Okay guys and gals who own many 1911s under a cool grand, what advice have you got for ezy? I'm curious as well.

I've fired numerous 1911's over the years and last July bought my first one. I always thought I'd end up with a Colt, but ended up getting a S&W 1911 stainless. It has Novak low profile 3-dot sights, Wilson Combat 8 round mags, and has been very reliable and accurate. It's been fed both factory ammo and my reloads, with FMJ and HP's and they all work fine. I bought this mostly for range shooting, but it's become my #1 CCW pistol.

I'd also looked at Kimber, but their prices were always a few hundred more than the Smith, at least in my area.

StrikeEagle

January 8, 2006, 02:42 PM

I'd get a new manufactured Series 70. Easy...

http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/Series70.asp

Snagglepuss

January 8, 2006, 03:00 PM

In my opinion, a Dan Wesson would be a great choice. A PM7 if you can find one. Right now DW direct has 4 brand new 1911's on gunbroker.com. They have cosmetic blems but are priced $250-$350 or more below MSRP. Good luck and make sure to read all opinions as you will get many.:D

IndianaDean

January 8, 2006, 09:44 PM

Smith and Wesson.

sgb

January 8, 2006, 09:58 PM

I'd get a new manufactured Series 70. Easy...

http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/Series70.asp

+1 :cool:

Ala Dan

January 8, 2006, 10:13 PM

Springfield's Loaded MC Operator:D

Shipwreck

January 9, 2006, 12:16 AM

Until I fell into a deal for a new TRP w/ Armory Kote for $1000 a few weeks ago, I too was looking at what 1911 to get for $1000.

It doesn't matter now, as I have spent my money, but I really wanted one w/ checkering or grooves on the front strap, and also a mag well. That eliminated the MC Operator.

I finally got to hold a SIg 2 weeks ago, and I was not impressed. I just commented on this gun on another post, so I'll just reference it here - it is post #5 - I wrote a detailed opinion of the Sig 1911 here: http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=9552

That left the SW1911 DK - I think I would probably have bought this gun. Now, the only neg for me was the sights - they are all black - no dots. But I figured I would buy a Dawson fiber optic front sight, and that would have taken care of it. Nothing else to do to the gun...

So, just my opinion. Unless you just by a loaded springfield, which you can get for the $700 range, or just a tiny bit more for a Springfield TRP ($1100-$1200 range), then I would recommend the SW1911DK - I looked and read everything I could on all these guns for quite some time, trying to figure out what I wanted.

GeoW

January 9, 2006, 12:25 AM

I'd get a new manufactured Series 70. Easy...

http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/Series70.asp

+2

geow

GunNut

January 9, 2006, 01:00 PM

Here's a few, SA Loaded/MC Operator, S&W(any of them), or Sig GSR.

I recently got a Sig GSR(Granite Series), and while there were a few with problems mine is dang near perfect. Accurate, reliable and no MIM parts.

But in all honesty, most of the current crop of sub $1K 1911's are really pretty good guns. Some will have problems out of the box, but hows that any different than buying a $60K car that breaks down the first week?

The great thing is that most/all manufactures stand behind there guns, and will fix any problems.

Steve

McNutt

January 9, 2006, 01:09 PM

My Dan Wesson Patriot ran me $650 new a few years ago. It has been flawless so far (~ 2000 rounds) and it very accurate. I shot a Kimber Gold Match once that I would say was as nice as my Patriot, but I think they run a little over $1000.

Helstrm

January 9, 2006, 01:54 PM

Okay at the risk of being boood and hissed at I just got a RIA 1911, before I did anything I replaced the springs with wolf 18.5, Wilson Combat trigger, extended slide release and a ramp job.

Went out Sunday and put 150+ rounds through it with no issues at all. In fact it was the only Auto Pistol that did not malfunction once all day. Out of the box I can't be 100% sure how happy I would have been, I had 2 days to burn before I hit the range so I could not leave it as is. But even with the above upgrades It is still below $500 ($300 for the pistol) and the accuracy is dead on at 20 yards fantastic grouping. Everyone that shot it said it shot great for an $800+ gun. The stock trigger had a 5.5lb pull so that had to go. She now pulls about 2.5lbs.

So if you want to save some cash and do a little work you can't go wrong with this one. Just my 2 cents.
http://gunsmithusa.com/files/1911_007_209.jpg

Flashpoint

January 9, 2006, 02:03 PM

I've been impressed with Dan Wesson. I love mine and have heard very few to no complaints about any of there models.

Geno

January 9, 2006, 02:12 PM

I think that my Colt Series 70 Reproduction in SS is about the best 1911 I have ever owned. It has nice sights, although I would like night sights. It's as-reliable-as my Glock, and is more accurate than I. Cost was around $740.00ish (to the best of my memory). I must add that my 1911 experience (owning) is limited to Colt and Kimber.

Edit to add, the Series 70 may have cost around $840.00 Truth is I don't recall exact how much. It's been a few months and several pistols back. :)
Doc2005

phantomak47

January 9, 2006, 02:15 PM

I am not trying to hijack this post, but I would rather understand why there are so many problems with current 1911s? This post like many others out there are just every day gun people looking for a halfway decent 1911.

I want a 1911, but the more I reasearch the more I realize that I am taking a gamble with most of them.

why does it have to be like this? Just the other day I read about some Para and Kimber owners who said that although they like their pistols, everyone that they have gotten they had to send it back to the factory.

Why cant the majority of 1911 manufactors make a 1911 that is reliable out of the box?

McNutt

January 9, 2006, 02:36 PM

I think the idea that 1911's are hit or miss is pretty overblown. Every gun has its quirks and the 1911 is no different. You hear so much about the 1911 because they're so common. I own two 1911s and have had exactly one failure and that was on a new hollowpoint I was trying.

Shipwreck

January 9, 2006, 02:36 PM

I am not trying to hijack this post, but I would rather understand why there are so many problems with current 1911s? This post like many others out there are just every day gun people looking for a halfway decent 1911.

I want a 1911, but the more I reasearch the more I realize that I am taking a gamble with most of them.

why does it have to be like this? Just the other day I read about some Para and Kimber owners who said that although they like their pistols, everyone that they have gotten they had to send it back to the factory.

Why cant the majority of 1911 manufactors make a 1911 that is reliable out of the box?

To some degree, it is a crap shoot. Every once in a while, I will see someone make a post stating that they do not understand all the problems w/ 1911s, because everyone that they have owned never had problems. But, there does seem to be an extraordinary amount of problems. Part of the problem, I think, is that they try to make the guns tighter and tighter.

Overall, I see the most complaints about Kimber, followed by Para Ordinance. I just got my 3rd Springfield. Always had luck w/ them.

Tequila_Sauer

January 9, 2006, 03:59 PM

I don't own one, but my mother has a Colt that she got from my Dad, and my Dad later bought a Springfield to replace his Colt.

Both guns worked perfectly as far as I know, and the Colt was pretty heavily ignored by mom. She just bought a 92 FS and seems to like it better.

Pilot

January 9, 2006, 04:40 PM

STI Trojan.

rchernandez

January 9, 2006, 04:43 PM

Okay at the risk of being boood and hissed at I just got a RIA 1911, before I did anything I replaced the springs with wolf 18.5, Wilson Combat trigger, extended slide release and a ramp job.

Went out Sunday and put 150+ rounds through it with no issues at all. In fact it was the only Auto Pistol that did not malfunction once all day...<snip>

Well it appears someone has already beaten me to the obligatory "I love my Rock Island Armory..." I don't own one yet but I'm planning for a couple in my collection.

As a Bullseye shooter, one of the preferred platforms for starting a wadgun or ballgun is the Springfield Armory Mil-Spec. As a project gun; barrel, bushing & some internal parts are quickly replaced and the sights improved. If you want acceptable out-of-box preformance, any one of the "loaded" models make fine pistols. Do you want fixed sights or adjustable? The available units are listed on their website and provide quite a variety of choices.

If you want a custom 1911 pistol, best foundation is a Caspian frame/slide combo.

For $1000, get a loaded Springfield Armory .45acp, I'd suggest a stainless steel unit with either adjustable or fixed/Novak sights AND spend the rest of you money getting into reloading equipment so can really enjoy shooting a .45acp pistol!!!

Happy shooting.

ruger357

January 9, 2006, 05:01 PM

Colt NRM or SW1911.

Marshall

January 9, 2006, 05:36 PM

Can't speak from experience but I've pretty much narrowed mine down to one of these two...........I want adjustable sights though. The Springfield's are also night sites.

I'm a sucker for a Colt....that's why I have four of them.....but I also have a RIA as my throw-around gun, but I am absolutely stunned at its accuracy and reliability...so far. My most recent Colt is a new XSE LW Commander. I really like it, and it only cost me $790. My other Colts have been in my possession for over 15 years. My newest one is a 1989 stainless Series 80 Government that I bought new.

Zach S

January 9, 2006, 06:22 PM

There are some great used firearms out there, but you do run some risks buying used.
Funny you should say that, I was going to reccommend a series one Kimber. The ones they built before the drop safety that would occasionally keep the gun from firing, the small parts that kept breaking, and the external extractor that had to be redesigned 4 times.

You know, the ones you could trust out of the box...

12-34hom

January 9, 2006, 06:23 PM

I have a DW 1911 [series 70] "Razorback", it had some teething problems but nothing serious. The customer service is excellent and thier product line is an excellent value.

I also own two Para products, both have given reliable service and would recommend that line of firearm.

12-34hom.

Mad Magyar

January 9, 2006, 06:25 PM

Helstrm, you're my kind of guy with guts and you didn't get any boos...:rolleyes:
Now, if I had pictured my proud Llama!!:banghead: :cuss: :evil:

screwman

January 9, 2006, 06:42 PM

[QUOTE=Marshall]Can't speak from experience but I've pretty much narrowed mine down to one of these two...........I want adjustable sights though. The Springfield's are also night sites.

I've got one of these. Been shootin' a 100 rds of my SWC's a day out of it. It keeps on a tickin.

Mike

Yes, that looks very sweet - I have read that the finish isn't very durable, though.

TexasRifleman

January 9, 2006, 08:21 PM

I've been impressed with Dan Wesson. I love mine and have heard very few to no complaints about any of there models.

+1
My Razorback is the most reliable, out of the box, "plain vanilla" type 1911 I've ever owned.

azrael

January 9, 2006, 08:30 PM

In my flame induced hiatus I had the chance to shoot several 1911's in my search for spiritual oneness..

Springy loaded/TRP (I think that was what it was) would be my first choice

Dan Wesson...cant remember which one it was, but it made my abyssmal shooting skills seem "okay"

Kimber...Series 1 if ya can find them, although I got the chance to shoot one of the newer ones without a problem, so MAYBE Kimber has its stuff sorted out..

RIA..One of the best buy's right now on the market

Cant comment on the Colt:barf: ...Ya couldnt give me one..err well ya could but I would dump it and buy a springy or a Dan Wesson 10mm or maybe a cz75

unpleasant dreams :evil:

jaztym

January 9, 2006, 08:41 PM

I'm partial to a Para Ordinance P15-45 Limited that cost me $825 2 years ago. Pleasant to shoot, nice trigger out of the box - new!

Good luck deciding.

IndianaDean

January 9, 2006, 08:42 PM

I am not trying to hijack this post, but I would rather understand why there are so many problems with current 1911s? This post like many others out there are just every day gun people looking for a halfway decent 1911.

You are from Texas so support the local 1911 and pick up a STI Trojan.

http://forums.lugerforum.com/lfupload/2_copy4.jpg

sgb

January 9, 2006, 10:55 PM

Colt NRM 1991 or Series 70

Springfield Loaded

Kimber Custom II w/internal extractor

Smith & Wesson PD

Haven't handled any Dan Wessons but hear nothing but good things.

Any of these will do you well.

ps............ I have five Colts, two Kimbers and a Springfield ;)

Shmackey

January 10, 2006, 12:03 AM

Save yourself the few years of going through K and S guns and then bouncing around the semi-customs. Get that Series 70 Colt now.

Clark Savage Jr

January 10, 2006, 11:47 AM

You couldn't do much better than this. . .

http://www.corvetteforum.net/c4/elwood89//91101_lg.gif

http://www.detonicsusa.com/model91101.html

http://www.corvetteforum.net/c4/elwood89//doc2.jpg
Doc

bglimpse

January 10, 2006, 03:48 PM

This one, haha.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=175836

I have bought (2) Dan Wessons in the last few weeks and I am impressed. Just have too many that are similar.

Bryan

waterhouse

January 10, 2006, 04:15 PM

Brewer, are those all yours? I really have no need for another 1911, but I've been looking at those Trojans for a while now. Probably will be my next purchase. Any complaints?

Back to the topic at hand, I've had good luck with 4 series I Kimbers and a dan wesson. Good luck with your decision.

Clark Savage Jr

January 10, 2006, 10:59 PM

Check out the new Gun World for an article on the Detonics 9-11-01.

http://www.corvetteforum.net/c4/elwood89//doc2.jpg
Doc

Brass Balls

January 10, 2006, 11:14 PM

Under a grand I like the Kimbers because I think they are more consistent in fit, trigger quality and accuracy. At the price point of the Springfield TRP I swap back over to favor the Springfields. Beyond the price of the TRP I'd take a Baer over either.

Just picked up another Kimber recently, a Custom Eclipse 10MM which has the internal extractor. It's a very nicely made gun for under a thousand dollars. It has a very good trigger, it's fit well and is accurate and reliable to boot.

The thing with the sub $1000 Springfields, in my experience, is that they vary widely. Some I've sampled had really rough, heavy triggers, while others were much better. If I went with a Springfield at that price level I'd really want to handle it before purchasing it.

brewer90

January 10, 2006, 11:32 PM

Brewer, are those all yours? I really have no need for another 1911, but I've been looking at those Trojans for a while now. Probably will be my next purchase. Any complaints?

Back to the topic at hand, I've had good luck with 4 series I Kimbers and a dan wesson. Good luck with your decision.

I wish! No I have a STI 2011 Edge which I really, really like. No complaints at all with it. The Trojans are in his price range though and the Edge isn't. I have a couple of Kimbers too but will at some point also get a Trojan. Since STI is just a few miles north of Austin maybe they should rename the gun the Longhorn instead of Trojan- name it after the National Champs you know, instead of the runner up ;)

Marshall

January 11, 2006, 08:42 AM

I wish! No I have a STI 2011 Edge which I really, really like. No complaints at all with it. The Trojans are in his price range though and the Edge isn't. I have a couple of Kimbers too but will at some point also get a Trojan. Since STI is just a few miles north of Austin maybe they should rename the gun the Longhorn instead of Trojan- name it after the National Champs you know, instead of the runner up ;)

LOL, I like that. :D

Sport45

January 11, 2006, 09:20 AM

Is it just me, or do others get the heebee jeebees when seeing a picture of a firearm set down in this condition (cocked, but not locked)? I feel the same way when I see a picture of a revolver just sitting there with the hammer back and brass showing in the cylinder. What is the official number for this condition anyway, 1,2, or 3? I know the name of my condition. You'll probably say it's paranoia:) .
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=27043&d=1122606076

The photo quality is good. I wish I could take pictures like that....

Mad Magyar

January 11, 2006, 11:08 AM

Condition Zero: Not recommended for carry: you're in combat readiness....

MassMan

January 11, 2006, 09:40 PM

My S&W 1911 has been flawless. I also have a Para which has been without problems.

Inline_6

January 12, 2006, 11:10 AM

Any Para-Ordnance (single stack or hi-cap) ($650 - $950)

The Springfield Armory MC Operator ($899)

Alias56

August 7, 2008, 08:22 PM

I'd go with a Colt Series 70, the first
1911 in my collection from when they were 400.00 and still my favorite.
Btw, does anyone know where I can get a Series 70 frame as my pet
has a Brown magwell welded on it
and I want to go back to the stock look.

possum

August 7, 2008, 09:02 PM

i would go for a sa 1911 of some sort. i would say the loaded series or even the mc operator, that is what i have and i love it. i have 1000rds in it, and it was and is a great choice.

also there are some nice kimbers out there under the 1 k limit. the tactical model, the tle, etc.

bluetopper

August 7, 2008, 09:26 PM

Who dug this thread out of the grave?

Oh well.............

I'll post another vote for the best 1911 under a grand.......maybe two grand.

Dan Wesson

sparkyguy

August 7, 2008, 10:23 PM

Mine, of course.:neener:
http://a676.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/75/l_f4231944e1d2ac723950d21863d8d3eb.jpg
Paid $699 then added the buffalo bone grips from ebay for another $40. Shoots like a dream, feeds everything and is more accurate then I am right out of the box. :cool: Plus, it doesn't have that stupid billboard like on S&W or Taurus 1911's.:barf::barf:

weisse52

August 7, 2008, 10:31 PM

I'd get a new manufactured Series 70. Easy...

http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/Series70.asp

+ I agree wholehearedly :neener:

And stolen directly from http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=33440